denotes premium content | Mar 13 2010 
News
posted 22 May 2009
Hill Dickinson mergers with shipping specialist
INTERNATIONAL LAW firm Hill Dickinson is to merge with the City practice Middleton Potts in July 2009, boosting its already significant capacity in the shipping and commodities sectors.
Managing partner Peter Jackson said the smaller firm was “a highly regarded niche player” with a “strong overseas presence, which will complement Hill Dickinson’s own extensive international presence”.
Hill Dickinson has more than 150 partners, with offices in Piraeus in Greece, and Singapore, as well as UK bases in Liverpool, London, Chester and Manchester. The acquisition of Potts will see the firm’s London presence increase to more than 200 people, generating turnover of over £22m, it said.
Key areas of business overlap between the merging firms include international trade and shipping, commercial dispute resolution and property.
Jackson, who will continue as managing partner of the combined firm, said: “Our underlying business is strong, and whilst market conditions may be challenging, what makes this deal work so well is how the two firms together can build upon their client base.”
Middleton Potts former senior partner, David Lucas, will lead the two firms’ new combined commodities practice.“We look forward to being able to offer a vastly increased depth and range of services,” he said.
Hill Dickinson earlier merged with another shipping specialist, Hill Taylor Dickinson, in 2006.
